In these days, we are compelled to tell the tale of Christmas Past, more specifically the year 1181, in Norway
The saga of King Sigurd says:

"King Magnus [Sverre's rival] prepared to celebrate Christmas in Bergen. He let the large hall be prepared for the Hirdmen [bodyguard], and the Guests [enforcers] in the "Sunnivastova" hall.
The guests did not like that the Hirdmen drank mead, while they only got simple beer. On the fifth day of Christmas, when the Guests where drunken, they ran for their weapons, and went to the king's hall, where they wanted to chop down the door.
When the king became aware of this, he immediately ran to the door, and wanted to stop them. But his Thrall, Bård Skjold, ran out into the front room before him. He was immediately killed.
After that the king went back inside. The Hirdmen closed the door, but the guest broke it down again.
Then those that had been on guard that day ran to the door, because they where the only ones in the hall that had weapons. Some took down stones from the fireplace and threw them into the front room.
When the city folk and the kings huskars, and the huskars of the Lendmen [estate holders], they armed themselves and went to the kings hall. Then the Guests pulled away. Many men where wounded there.
The next morning King Magnus ordered those Guests who had been in the lead seized. He had hands or feet chopped of some, and some hanged"

Oh, that ol' time holiday cheer..."this [fight] looks curious, almost like a game. See, they are looking around them before they fall, to find a dry spot to fall on, or they are falling on their shields. Can you see blood on their cloths and weapons? No. This must be trickery."
-Reidar Sendeman, from King Sverre's Saga, 1201

When you travel for a week to go to a party, you expect it to last a while...

The king would presumably stay in Bergen all winter, and there is no reason to stop feasting until you are, well, out of stuff to drink.

A propper weding feast would last for three days."this [fight] looks curious, almost like a game. See, they are looking around them before they fall, to find a dry spot to fall on, or they are falling on their shields. Can you see blood on their cloths and weapons? No. This must be trickery."
-Reidar Sendeman, from King Sverre's Saga, 1201

I guess the entire 'peace and goodwill for all' part was introduced after all this.

Kidding aside, it is rather interesting to read about Christmas 'back in the day'. I for one never knew that back then they had (atleast) 5 days of Christmas.

As I recall, there were in fact 12 days of Christmas. Hence the song with all of the gifts (partridge in a pear tree, etc.) but also Shakespeare's Twelfth Night play. It ended on January 6, the Three Kings Day.

...As I recall, there were in fact 12 days of Christmas. Hence the song with all of the gifts (partridge in a pear tree, etc.) but also Shakespeare's Twelfth Night play. It ended on January 6, the Three Kings Day.

Actually, there still are 12 days of Christmas."...dismount thy tuck, be yare in thy preparation, for thy assailant is quick, skilful, and deadly."
- Sir Toby Belch

Mead was made with honey, and thus a lot more expensive and exclusive.
Beer was, literally, drunk for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and as such quite "everyday".
It was commonly accepted that beer was more healthy than water. At that time, it was quite likely true as well; contaminated water was common.
Everybody brewed their own beer, by the barrel. There were actually fines for the people that didn't brew enough..."this [fight] looks curious, almost like a game. See, they are looking around them before they fall, to find a dry spot to fall on, or they are falling on their shields. Can you see blood on their cloths and weapons? No. This must be trickery."
-Reidar Sendeman, from King Sverre's Saga, 1201

Wonder if I can find some locally Anybody can give us a review of mead for purely historical reasons.
as it might affect one's swordsmanship You can easily give up your freedom. You have to fight hard to get it back!

The kingsmirror states that you should take care to drink regularly while training, but take care not to get drunk.
As above mentioned, beer was the number one refreshment of the day.
Of course, the beer drunk for "every day use" would be quite thin and low on alcohol. Strong beer, ale and mead was for festive occasions.
Wine would be used much in the same way in southern europe."this [fight] looks curious, almost like a game. See, they are looking around them before they fall, to find a dry spot to fall on, or they are falling on their shields. Can you see blood on their cloths and weapons? No. This must be trickery."
-Reidar Sendeman, from King Sverre's Saga, 1201

Wonder if I can find some locally Anybody can give us a review of mead for purely historical reasons.
as it might affect one's swordsmanship

Had some at the Sterling Ren festival last year( I don't know the brand or if it even was historicaly made with honey)
Tasted alot like champagne to me, but I don't drink alot of that myself.. more ciders and ales. May God have mercy on my enemies, for I shall have none.

Had some at the Sterling Ren festival last year( I don't know the brand or if it even was historicaly made with honey)
Tasted alot like champagne to me, but I don't drink alot of that myself.. more ciders and ales.

Cider now that stuff is dangerous, goes down like fruit juice and before you know it you're GONE. It also leaves a nasty hangover, at least thats what they tell me.

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forumYou cannot attach files in this forumYou can download files in this forum